Valley Lutheran School Administrator Arrested for Sexual Exploitation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29th, 2026

On Thursday, May 28th, 2026, the Waterloo Police Department received a report regarding an alleged inappropriate relationship between a Valley Lutheran School administrator and a juvenile female student.  The suspect, identified as 40‑year‑old Lucas Tanney of Waterloo, was found to be serving at Valley Lutheran School as a principal and track coach for the victim.

Through the investigation, detectives determined unlawful sexual conduct had occurred at Tanney’s residence.  On May 29th, 2026, Tanney was taken into custody without incident.  He has been booked into the Black Hawk County Jail on a charge of Sexual Exploitation by a School Employee, a Class D Felony.

The Waterloo Police Department reminds the public that a criminal charge is merely an accusation.  All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

No further details will be released at this time as the investigation remains ongoing.

Contact:

Captain Gus Farmer
Waterloo Police Department
Public Information Office